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Effects of foundation pressure and building stiffness on tunnel-separated footing interaction
Get PDFThe displacements and deformations of buildings with separated footings caused by tunneling may be significant and could damage the structures. This paper numerically investigates the influences of building stiffness, geometry and foundation pressure on the deformation of a two-story elastic framed building due to tunneling in sand. An advanced soil constitutive model known as hypoplastic model was calibrated and adopted to simulate the sand behavior. Results show that the roles of building stiffness and foundation pressure on the footing displacements due to tunneling are significant, particularly for a larger tunnel volume loss. An increase in building stiffness reduces both the vertical and horizontal displacements of footings, while a greater foundation pressure primarily increases footing settlements. The influences of building stiffness and foundation pressure on building shear distortion are considerable, while their impacts on panel horizontal strains are minor for the investigated parameter ranges. The results also suggest the potential use of greenfield results as a conservative estimation of the distortion of buildings with separated, embedded footings when subjected to tunneling-induced displacements. Modification factors for shear distortion and horizontal strains are presented and show good agreement with the empirical centrifuge-derived envelopes for buildings resting on the soil surface.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
HIV and AIDS in Toronto: A Selected Annotated Chronology, 1981-1990
No full textThis comprehensive reference guide tracks the development of the HIV/AIDS pandemic as it occurred in Toronto, Canada, during the years 1981 through 1990. Each entry in the chronology is combined with a brief bibliography of sources. Coverage is selective, and focuses on news reports and articles published in local mainstream newspapers and magazines as well as the gay press. Special attention has been given to important milestones, including the formation of community-based AIDS organizations, political action, lobbying, and fundraising, as well as demonstrations and memorials. In addition, artistic and cultural contributions related to AIDS as it was experienced in Toronto are included, such as books, dramatic productions, exhibitions, and films. Important developments elsewhere that were reported in the local Toronto press are included, such as the deaths of Rock Hudson and Ryan White, and the discovery of HIV. Appendices provide supplementary information on additional reading and a listing of names on the Toronto AIDS Memorial for the first ten years
Carnosine-enriched functional food enhances micro- and macrovascular endothelium-independent vasodilation in competitive athletes – a randomized study
Get PDFThis randomized interventional study aimed to investigate the effect of carnosine-enriched chicken meat consumption on systemic endothelium-dependent and -independent micro- and macrovascular reactivity in thirty-five healthy competitive male athletes. Both forearm skin micro- and macrovascular endothelium-independent vasodilation were increased, and diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure (BP) were decreased in Carnosine group (n=19) following the 3-week dietary protocol. Microvascular endothelium-dependent response (PORH) was increased in the Carnosine group and significantly associated with decreased mean arterial BP level. Following dietary protocol, Controls (n =16) had substantially higher urate (but still normal) levels than the Carnosine group. Carnosine supplementation in the form of functional food enhances endothelium-dependent and vascular smooth muscle-dependent vasodilation in peripheral micro- and microcirculation. Carnosine's effect on vascular endothelium could be attributed to its blood pressure-lowering effect. Results suggest that carnosine has the potential to resist hyperuricemia in healthy individuals. (NCT05723939)The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Biocontrol of the Pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni (Tams.) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) by forest-derived entomopathogenic fungi
Get PDFThe pine processionary moth (PPM), Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams. (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), is an important forest pest in the Mediterranean region. This study demonstrated for the first time the biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolated from pine forest soils on T. wilkinsoni. The identity of five isolates obtained by the Tenebrio-bait method was established by macroscopic and microscopic features and ITS-rDNA sequencing. Pathogenicity and virulence of novel indigenous isolates on fourth stage larvae of T. wilkinsoni were then determined. PPM1, PPM3 and PPM5 were identified as Beauveria bassiana Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), PPM2 and PPM4 were identified as Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae). All isolates were found to be pathogenic at a concentration of 107The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Peddlers or Pedalers? The Bicycle Trades and Street Redesign Policies of Mexico City
Get PDFThe academic and practitioner literature on urban cycling is principally geared towards the promotion of the bicycle as a sustainable mode of commuting. This literature disregards cycle users who ride out of necessity, especially those who employ bicycles, tricycles, and other cycles as an integral part of their trades. These bicioficios or bicycle trades are conspicuously absent from urban mobility policies in cities where they abound, particularly in the Global South, and are perceived by mainstream cycling advocacy as either incidental cyclists or by urban planners as variations of the informal street vending landscape.Little has been studied about these bicycle trades, such that my research is exploratory and qualitative in nature. Drawing from a blend of ethnographic data, expert interviews, and document analysis conducted between 2017 and 2020 in Mexico City, I aimed to examine the sociospatial practices of these itinerant workers. I employed a poststructural policy analysis of the data, aimed at understanding how urban cycling and street redesign policies come to terms with the actualities of Mexico City’s bicycle trades. Key results of this study are presented in three chapters that engage with current discussions on cycling affordances, invisible cyclings, social practice theory, environmental gentrification, and marginality.
The case of Mexico City’s bicycle trades demonstrates how unconventional cycling practices such as cargo, deliveries, servicing, and vending are rendered invisible by local advocacy despite their roles in sustaining urban livelihoods. I also find that bicycle traders present spatial, social and political marginalities: they use a bicycle, but they are not cyclists; they are mobile but cannot remain on the street; they are culturally appreciated but are not fully recognized by the policies of their streets. Thus, this thesis addresses normative and conceptual gaps in understanding these contradictions, highlighting the need to widen the conceptual scope of what urban cycling can be. Ultimately, this doctoral dissertation helps reframe urban cycling as more than a lifestyle choice that brings about socioeconomic benefits, and beyond the confines of transport studies, towards the more grounded goals of mobility justice and the recognition of everyday livelihood cyclings in the redesign of urban streetscapes.Ph.D
Automating the Extraction of Sociodemographic and Behavioral Entities related to Post COVID-19 Condition: A Natural Language Processing Approach
Get PDFPost COVID-19 condition (PCC) refers to lingering or episodic symptoms remaining after the latent COVID-19 infection stage. Initial analyses have suggested that sociodemographic factors such as gender and socioeconomic status can lead to disproportionate PCC prevalence; however, the limited availability of comprehensive sociodemographic, PCC-related data has hindered research at the intersection of PCC and social determinants of health (SDOH). To help overcome this challenge, this analysis builds a named entity recognition tool to automate the extraction of SDOH entities from PCC-related case reports, and extracts insights on the model-predicted labels with a natural language inference framework. Overall, this analysis revealed that BERT models show superior generalizability than RNN-based models to unseen sentence structures and to greater label sparsity, that there is scarcity in multiple sociodemographic factors in PCC-related case reports, and an imbalanced representation of mentions within dimensions such as gender, insurance status, and age.M.Sc
Cations from cyclotron target solutions can impede chelation of fluorine-18 radiolabeled aluminum-fluoride
Get PDFCoordination of fluorine-18 to aluminum renders the positron emitting radionuclide a pseudo-radiometal. This permits its use in chelators commonly used for theranostics applications while exploiting the favourable half-life, high positron branching ratio, and small positron range. As for other tracer-level chelations, interfering metal cations will diminish radiochemical yields. While translating an automated and validated [18F]FAPI-74 radiosynthesis, we were initially unsuccessful. While troubleshooting all aspects of the radiosynthesis (e.g. human error, equipment failure, materials), the ultimate root cause was determined to be cations present in the cyclotron target solution. After passing the fluorine-18 containing target effluent through a commercial cation exchange cartridge, radiochemical yields returned to reported and expected values. The reduction of cations was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We further confirmed the exclusion of these chemical impurities did not impact other radiofluorination reactions in our facility, thus capturing the cations is likely an additional precaution for clinical manufacturing of any fluorine-18 radiotracer.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Enhancing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Through the Sensory Development Care Map
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Preterm infants are at a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments due to immature brain development and the stressors of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment. To improve outcomes, incorporating a neuropromotion strategy by promoting nurturing encounters (NEs) is essential. Methods: In this 48-bed tertiary perinatal care center, an informal survey showed that staff lacked consistent knowledge about sensory neurodevelopment, while parents expressed a need for clearer guidance. This paper describes the development and implementation of the Sensory Developmental Care Map (SDCM) as part of a larger quality-improvement initiative. The SDCM is an educational tool designed to guide NICU staff and families in providing neuroprotective and neuropromotive care, based on the infant’s gestational age (GA). The SDCM was created by integrating evidence on sensory development across GAs and providing practical strategies to promote positive sensory input while protecting the developing brain. The map visually indicates when to protect or stimulate each sense, offering clear, developmentally appropriate guidance. Printed and digital versions of the map were made accessible to families and staff, with bedside copies and a poster displayed in the unit. Results: A post-implementation evaluation is ongoing, but preliminary feedback suggests that the SDCM improved the family understanding of sensory developmental care. The SDCM serves as a valuable resource for promoting appropriate sensory input for preterm infants and further enhancing developmentally supportive care within the NICU
3D Printing in Nasal Reconstruction: Application-Based Evidence on What Works, When, and Why
Get PDFBackground: Nasal reconstruction requires a balance between aesthetic and functional restoration. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have introduced new approaches to this field, enabling precise, patient-specific interventions. This review explores the applications, benefits, and challenges of integrating 3D printing in nasal reconstruction. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies on 3D printing in nasal reconstruction. Peer-reviewed articles and clinical trials were analyzed to assess the impact of 3D-printed models, implants, and bioengineered scaffolds. Results: 3D printing facilitates the creation of anatomical models, surgical guides, and implants, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes. Techniques such as stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) enable high-resolution, biocompatible constructs using materials like polylactic acid, titanium, and hydroxyapatite. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools improve surgical planning by optimizing nasal airflow. Studies show that 3D-printed guides reduce operative time and improve symmetry. Emerging bioprinting techniques integrating autologous cells offer promise for tissue regeneration. Challenges and Future Directions: Challenges include high costs, imaging limitations, regulatory hurdles, and limited vascularization in bioprinted constructs. Future research should focus on integrating bioactive materials, artificial intelligence-assisted design, and regulatory standardization. Conclusions: 3D printing offers specific advantages in nasal reconstruction, improving precision and outcomes in selected cases. Addressing current limitations through technological and regulatory advancements will further its clinical integration, potentially enhancing reconstructive surgery techniques
Impact of Clinician Experience on Intraosseous Anesthesia Outcomes in Endodontic Treatment: Retrospective Cohort Study
Get PDFObjectives: Although many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of intraosseous anesthesia (IOA), the experience of clinicians administering IOA has rarely been reported. Some endodontists may never have received formal training in IOA, raising questions about whether inexperienced clinicians can achieve similar results. Although the previous studies suggest that limited experience may increase the risk of complications, the extent to which clinician experience influences IOA outcomes remains uncertain. This study sought to assess whether clinician experience affects the effectiveness, patient comfort, and safety of IOA in endodontic treatment. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 72 patients who had previously undergone endodontic treatment or retreatment for mandibular molars. Of these, 37 were treated by an endodontic resident with limited IOA experience, and 35 by an endodontist with extensive IOA experience. IOA was administered using the QuickSleeper 5 system (Dental Hi Tec, Cholet Cedex, France) as the sole anesthetic technique before the start of the endodontic treatment or retreatment. Pain assessments were recorded preoperatively (baseline), during IOA administration, and during the treatment. Statistical analyses included binomial and chi-square tests to compare the success rates and associations between the clinician experience and the IOA outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Pain during IOA administration was reported as none or mild in 98.6% of the patients, with no significant difference between the endodontist (97.2%) and resident (100%) groups (p = 0.378). Profound anesthesia was achieved in 94.1% of the cases, with no significant difference between the endodontist (96.8%) and resident (91.9%) groups (p = 0.738). Complications were rare, with two cases of perforator separation (5.4%) in the resident group; nevertheless, clinician experience was not significantly associated with complications (p = 0.553). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, clinician experience did not significantly affect the IOA outcomes, including effectiveness, patient comfort, and safety. These findings suggest that IOA can be used effectively by clinicians with different levels of experience, thus supporting its broader implementation in endodontic practice